Questioning Authority

August 26

(Luke 20:1-8 NIV) ““One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. {2} “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?””

(Daniel 7:13-14 NIV) “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. {14} He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Some who think of themselves as Christians haven’t looked at their Bible in months. We limit God’s authority in our lives when we neglect his word. Not only do we limit His authority, we often reject his gifts, because using them would mean extra work for us. We might have to change our important plans. If we accept His authority, we must surrender some of our authority, and that’s not acceptable. God’s authority threatens our autonomy, so we do whatever it takes to plug our ears. Still, the Lord has ways of getting through. Our hectic, noisy lives, and our self-affirming chatter cannot cover up His call to us. The Lord is persistent and patient. But until we accept His authority, and seek His wisdom, life will continue to be a hassle, and our purpose for living will always be up for grabs. Submit to Christ’s authority. Peace and clarity await. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day